GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant barrier to women's participation in politics across Sub-Saharan Africa, where deeply rooted patriarchal norms and societal structures often marginalize women in various spheres of life. The United Nations (2020) notes that GBV, which includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence, not only affects women's physical and mental well-being but also limits their political engagement and leadership opportunities. In many Sub-Saharan African countries, political environments are particularly hostile to women, with female politicians facing threats, harassment, and violence that are often overlooked or inadequately addressed by authorities (Krook, 2017).

 

Women's participation in politics is crucial for the development of inclusive and representative democracies. However, GBV acts as a deterrent, preventing women from running for office, participating in political campaigns, and engaging in public debates (Bardall, 2018). In some cases, women who attempt to enter the political arena are met with violence designed to intimidate and force them out of the political space (Eriksson Baaz & Utas, 2019). This violence not only affects the individual women involved but also has broader implications for gender equality and the overall quality of governance in the region.

 

In Sub-Saharan Africa, the intersection of GBV and politics is particularly complex. Cultural norms that dictate traditional gender roles, coupled with weak legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, contribute to an environment where violence against women is both pervasive and normalized (Tripp, 2015). As a result, many women are discouraged from participating in politics, either due to fear of violence or as a result of direct experiences of harassment and assault. This study seeks to explore the ways in which GBV influences women's political participation in Sub-Saharan Africa, examining both the barriers women face and the strategies they employ to navigate these challenges.

 

Statement of the Problem

Despite significant progress in promoting gender equality, the political participation of women in Sub-Saharan Africa remains hindered by GBV. While various initiatives have been implemented to increase the representation of women in political offices, the persistence of violence against women in political spaces continues to undermine these efforts (Bardall, 2018). Women who aspire to political leadership often face a range of violent acts, from verbal harassment and intimidation to physical assaults and threats against their families (Krook, 2017). These acts of violence are not only a violation of women's rights but also a serious impediment to the development of democratic institutions in the region.

 

The problem is compounded by the lack of robust legal protections for women in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Even where laws exist, enforcement is often weak, and perpetrators of violence frequently go unpunished (Eriksson Baaz & Utas, 2019). This creates a climate of impunity that further discourages women from participating in politics. Additionally, the societal stigma associated with being a victim of GBV can lead to further marginalization, making it even more difficult for women to assert their political rights (Tripp, 2015). This study aims to investigate the specific ways in which GBV influences women's political participation in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on identifying the challenges women face and the impact of these challenges on their ability to engage in political processes.

 

Objectives of the Study

To examine the types and prevalence of gender-based violence experienced by women in politics in Sub-Saharan Africa.

To analyze the impact of gender-based violence on women's political participation and leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa.

To identify strategies and interventions that have been effective in mitigating the influence of gender-based violence on women's political engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Research Questions

What types of gender-based violence are most commonly experienced by women in politics in Sub-Saharan Africa?

How does gender-based violence affect the political participation and leadership of women in Sub-Saharan Africa?

What strategies have been implemented to mitigate the impact of gender-based violence on women's political participation in Sub-Saharan Africa, and how effective have they been?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several key stakeholders, including policymakers, advocacy groups, and academic researchers. For policymakers, the findings will provide evidence-based insights into the barriers that GBV poses to women's political participation, informing the development of more effective policies and legal frameworks to protect women in political spaces. Advocacy groups working to promote gender equality will benefit from a deeper understanding of the specific challenges faced by women in politics, enabling them to tailor their programs and interventions more effectively. For academic researchers, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on gender, violence, and politics in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering new perspectives on the intersection of these critical issues.

 

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to Sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on the experiences of women involved in political activities, including those running for office, holding political positions, or participating in political campaigns. The study will explore both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue. However, limitations include the potential for underreporting of GBV due to stigma and fear of retaliation, as well as the challenge of accessing reliable data in some regions. Additionally, while the study aims to provide a broad overview, the diverse political landscapes across Sub-Saharan Africa mean that findings may not be fully generalizable to all countries within the region.

 

Definitions of the Study

Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Any harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, particularly in the context of power and control.

Political Participation: The active involvement of individuals in political processes, including voting, running for office, engaging in political campaigns, and participating in public debates and decision-making processes.

Sub-Saharan Africa: A geographic region of the African continent located south of the Sahara Desert, characterized by diverse cultures, political systems, and levels of socio-economic development.

 

References

Bardall, G. (2018). Violence Against Women in Politics: A Rising Threat to Women’s Political Participation Worldwide. Politics & Gender, 14(4), 609-611.

Eriksson Baaz, M., & Utas, M. (2019). Beyond "Gender and Stir": Reflections on Gender and SSR in the Aftermath of African Conflicts. International Peacekeeping, 17(4), 469-485.

Krook, M. L. (2017). Violence Against Women in Politics. Journal of Democracy, 28(1), 74-88.

Tripp, A. M. (2015). Women and Power in Post-Conflict Africa. Cambridge University Press.

United Nations. (2020). Gender-Based Violence and Women’s Political Participation. UN Women.